FDU Black History Month 2026

Feb. 1, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2025: View the library exhibit, “Black History 2026: A Century of Black History Commemorations”  Available at Florham Campus Library Reference Room during operating library hours. View online here.

Feb. 5, 2025, at 2 PM: “The 1960s Civil Right Movement”

Sponsored by the Maxwell Becton College of Liberal Arts and Education and the FDU Libraries. Using documentary clips as a starting point, this event examines Black liberation as a historical struggle, tracing how the contradictions of American democracy became unbearable and demanded resistance rather than patience. Moderated by Michael Cotto, assistant professor of humanities. Metropolitan Campus: Library Auditorium. Zoom and registration link available here. For more information contact Tanama Cruz, technical services and outreach associate, at tcruz01@fdu.edu.

Feb. 10, 2025, at 6 PM: “What Happened to DEI?”

Sponsored by the Maxwell Becton College of Liberal Arts and Education and the FDU Libraries. Using short video clips, this event revisits the original aims of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and examines how those aims became politically charged and widely misunderstood. The program explores the social, cultural, and political forces driving the backlash against DEI, tracing how misinformation and ideological framing have shaped public perception. Moderated by Michael Cotto, assistant professor of humanities. Zoom and registration link available here. For more information contact Tanama Cruz, technical services and outreach associate, at tcruz01@fdu.edu.

Feb. 12, 2025, at 8 PM: “Print & Sip“

Sponsored by the Florham Campus Black Student Union. This event is a relaxed, creative night where students can unwind and express themselves through art. Attendees will have the opportunity to paint a canvas of their choice while enjoying R&B music throughout the evening. This chill, welcoming event is designed to bring students together in a calm, social atmosphere to create, connect and vibe. Florham Campus: Orangerie, Monninger Center. For more information contact Taniaya Morris at t.morris1@student.fdu.edu.

Terza Lima-Neves

Feb. 19, 2025, at 6 PM: “Empathy and Education: Affirmative Action, DEI and Immigration”

Sponsored by the Maxwell Becton College of Liberal Arts and Education and the FDU Libraries. Led by guest speaker and author Terza Lima-Neves, this event emphasizes the need for empathy in education and social policy. The program examines how issues such as affirmative action, DEI and immigration become sites of resistance and misunderstanding when empathy gives way to fear, abstraction or political rhetoric. Moderated by Michael Cotto, assistant professor of humanities. Zoom and registration link available here. For more information contact Tanama Cruz, technical services and outreach associate, at tcruz01@fdu.edu.

Feb. 19, 2025, at 6 PM: “Bingo Night”

Sponsored by the Florham Campus Black Student Union. This event is a high-energy, interactive event filled with fun, friendly competition and excitement. Students can play multiple rounds of bingo while having the chance to win raffled prizes throughout the night. Florham Campus: Orangerie, Monninger Center. For more information contact Taniaya Morris at t.morris1@student.fdu.edu.

Feb. 24, 2025, at 2:30 PM: “A Discussion on Black Liberation Today!”

Sponsored by the Maxwell Becton College of Liberal Arts and Education and the FDU Libraries. Frederick Engram Jr., assistant professor of higher education, will be interviewed by Michael Cotto, assistant professor of humanities, about Engram’s book, Black Liberation through Action and Resistance: MOVE. The conversation will explore how traditions of Black resistance inform contemporary debates around affirmative action, DEI, immigration and reparations, while also considering the role institutions such as Fairleigh Dickinson University can play in advancing justice, equity and social responsibility. Florham Campus: Hartman Lounge, Hennessy Hall (The Mansion). Zoom and registration link available here. For more information contact Tanama Cruz, technical services and outreach associate, at tcruz01@fdu.edu.

Feb. 25, 2025, at 1 PM: “Let’s Talk About: The State of Black Girls.”

Sponsored by the Office of Student Wellness Services. This event is a book talk with author Marline Francois-Madden. Join for an inspiring conversation that explores history, storytelling and lived experience. Free giveaways! In-person seating is limited to 35 participants. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. Zoom and registration link available here. Metropolitan Campus: Rutherford Room, Greg Olsen Student Union. For more information contact Barbara Pujols, wellness coordinator, at b.pujols@fdu.edu.

Feb. 26, 2025, at 8 PM: “All Shades of Brown Dinner”

Sponsored by the Florham Campus Black Student Union. This event is a celebration where students come together, wearing all shades of brown, to honor Black history, culture and achievement. The evening will feature guest speakers who will share their personal journeys, career paths and experiences, with the goal of inspiring and motivating students as they pursue their own aspirations. In addition to the speakers, attendees can expect food, a DJ and an overall uplifting and engaging atmosphere. Florham Campus: Lenfell Hall, Hennessy Hall (The Mansion). For more information contact Taniaya Morris at t.morris1@student.fdu.edu.

Feb. 27, 2025, at 7 PM: “Friday Knights @ Greg’s: Afro Gala”

Sponsored by the Metropolitan Campus African Heritage Society, the Office of Student Life and Transforming College Campuses (TCC). Afro Gala is a cultural event that showcases the beauty of the African diaspora through contestants, a talent showcase, question-and-answer sessions and more. There will be performances, African food, raffles and a chance to dance to Afrobeats. Metropolitan Campus: Rutherford Room, Greg Olsen Student Union. For more information contact Chelsea Akparanta at c.akparanta@student.fdu.edu.